Jean Ann Burns

Jean Ann Burns (nee Lotter) was born in Seymour, Wisconsin, on August 3, 1932, and died peacefully on November 3, 2024, in Bend, Oregon. Jean and Allen were married in 1958 and celebrated their 66th anniversary this fall. She graduated from Seymour High School and from secretarial school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After her school years, Jean moved to Denver to pursue a career as an Administrative Assistant. She and Allen, also from Seymour, reconnected out west and began their married life in Billings, Montana. Jean is survived by her husband Allen, daughters Marie Walsh (husband Michael Walsh) and Kathleen Burns (husband Brian Olendorf), nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her beloved youngest daughter, Jennifer Jenkot (husband Robert Jenkot), died in 2018. Jean and Allen lived in several cities across the United States during their marriage, and in 2023, they moved to Bend from St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to Kathleen as they aged. Jean led an active life. She volunteered at food pantries in the St. Louis area, served as a poll judge at elections for many years, and helped at church functions. Traveling was an enjoyable part of her life, both in the U.S. and overseas. Also, she especially enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle with her friends and hosted many day-long card games at her home. Jean loved to sing and joined the choir of the Catholic churches she attended wherever she and Allen lived. She also sang in the chorus at their retirement community in Ballwin, Missouri. Jean enjoyed live music and theatre and introduced her children to the arts through concerts and local and national theatrical performances. She always had a well-researched list of local activities to attend whenever her girls visited. Donations to charities were an important part of her life. Jean was a fervent supporter of Native American missions and Indian schools, and supported environmental charities for nature conservation, such as the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy. Memorial gifts may be made to: St. Labre Indian School, PO Box 797, Ashland, MT 59003; St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, 57326; Red Cloud Indian School, 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770-2100; and, St. Patrick’s Center, 800 N. Tucker Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63101. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St., Bend, OR 97701.

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Jean Ann Burns

August 3, 1932 - November 3, 2024